Kids learn through crafts at vacation Bible school

Saturday

PANAMA CITY– Children at Grace Presbyterian Church’s vacation Bible school were wide awake, and they were dancing and singing on Wednesday morning despite it being summer break and an early start.

PANAMA CITY– Children at Grace Presbyterian Church’s vacation Bible school were wide awake, and they were dancing and singing on Wednesday morning despite it being summer break and an early start.

“I learned about God, and that God is watching over us,” said Savanna Culpepper, 7, from Panama City.

She enjoyed the craft station where she drew hearts and flowers on a brown paper bag. The bags decorated by the children will be used for a food drive organized by the church.

Myles Entrekin, 10, from Panama City said he likes “everything” about vacation Bible school, but his favorite thing is to play with his friends.

“It’s great,” volunteer Margaret Tamblyn from Panama City said. “It’s just very gratifying.”

Tamblyn said this is her first year helping at the vacation Bible school. She’s been able to help more at the church since she retired, she said.

Tamblyn said that it’s not only good for the children at vacation Bible school, but also for the youth group members who volunteer. It keeps them off the streets, she said.

“I love to see the kids learning, and learning how to love God,” youth group member and volunteer Michaela Marone, 14, from Panama City said.

Most churches in and around Panama City have vacation Bible school every summer, said Jason Williams, director of children and youth at Grace Presbyterian Church.

“First off they learn the love of Jesus,” Charlotte Dickey said, director of religious education at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. The church started its vacation Bible school Friday and continues today from 9 a.m. to noon, she said.

“They get to express their love through crafts,” and “they will be growing spiritually with the saints,” she said.

Meagan Lanier, children’s director at Woodlawn United Methodist Church, said the church had around 300 children and 60 volunteers at their vacation Bible school on Monday-Thursday.

“We hope that they learn that they are loved by the community and by God,” she said.